Concern over rats at former council HQ

Residents say the rat problem has got worse in recent weeks

Pest control experts have been called in over concerns about rats outside County Hall in Worcester - just over a year since the site was mothballed.

Rats at Worcestershire County Council's old headquarters have started to climb into some back gardens, and hang around a pond where children play.

Some residents have spotted the rodents running across footpaths during daylight hours or scurrying into bushes.

The county council said measures were being put in place to help prevent further activity.

City councillor Elaine Willmore said she spotted rats for herself after visiting County Hall when she became concerned by the volume of residents who had informed her of a problem.

"I heard some rustling, and as soon as I heard a noise, I knew it was going to be a rat because of all the complaints I've had," she said.

"I just looked up and saw it sitting there, as happy as Larry - it took a look at me and belted it into the pond."

Willmore, Labour, added: "This really is a problem - people are concerned about the state of the County Hall generally. I said to someone recently 'it's like a scene from some zombie apocalypse film'. But having all these rats here takes it to another level."

Councillor Elaine Willmore has seen the rats for herself

The county council vacated the site last year after two major problems with the building - the discovery of Raac, and evidence of Legionella bacteria in the water supply.

Most of the land is expected to be put up for sale, with the Reform cabinet also exploring the possibility of using some of it to expand secondary school provision in Worcester.

County Hall is now locked up and fenced off to prevent trespassers

Several residents living near County Hall told the BBC the rats had only become a regular sight in recent weeks.

In a statement, the county council said: "A small number of rats have been observed in the lake area outside County Hall, which is not uncommon in urban green spaces, particularly where there is water and regular footfall from people eating or gathering.

"A pest control team attended and are putting in place measures around the lake to help prevent further activity.

"Routine maintenance of the site is ongoing, and our contracted caretaking and groundskeeping teams continue to operate as normal."